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One of the most neglected segments of the golf equipment industry—left-handed players—now has some real enticing options when it comes to irons.

Miura, one of the most respected custom-club manufacturers in the world based in Himeji, Japan, has introduced a new left-handed Y Grind option in its top of the line MB 001 and the CB 57 models.

The Y Grind, although most visible on the sole and leading edge, actually encompasses many more subtle changes to the clubhead to maintain its integrity –including head weight, density and overall balance. These refinements elevate the Left-Handed Y Grind irons to another level. More efficient turf interaction is made possible through the subtle leading edge and sole modifications. This includes a more contoured leading edge and the appropriate bounce angles on each specific iron while maintaining desired lie angles.

Miura Golf’s worldwide headquarters is located in Vancouver, British Columbia, where the company markets the brand world-wide (except for Japan). Bill Holowaty, the Executive Vice President, Product Strategies for Miura Golf in Vancouver noted that the influence of hockey in that country has led to more left handed golfers than in the United States.

“With our operations based in Canada, where recent statistics indicate that some 30 percent of new golfers are lefties, we’re always looking to better serve left-handers,” noted Holowaty. “The Y Grind version of our LH Blade and Cavity Back models allows golfers to benefit from a refined leading edge and sole design that leads to better turf interaction and therefore produces more solid shots.”

Holowaty added that in the U.S. statistics show that between 6 and 10 percent of players are left-handed.

These new clubs have been hailed by left-handers who have experienced them–like most new Miura owners—as a unique and delightfully satisfying when hitting them for the first time.

“There is a lot that goes into these clubs—most golfers will see the difference right away,” said Holowaty.“They make great contact and find the ball going where they want.This model gets through the turf better.”

He also explained that the 14-step forging process used by Miura also dictates that the raw forging be struck three times instead of the usual one, and is one of the key ingredients that making hitting one of these irons a true experience.

“These are not mass-produced irons,” he added.“they are hand-forged in Japan and the grinding is done at a grinding wheel wheel—not a machine.Our tolerances are the tightest in the industry.”

The Miura commitment to detail is evident in the Y Grind, specifically at the address position. Subtle changes to the top line and toe profile work in concert with the sole grind delivering a new level of confidence. Those changes include a slightly modified toe profile; a visually pleasing top line that enhances a golfer’s confidence and weight distribution and balance within the clubhead that’s marginally different from standard LH models.

This subtle shift in weight from toe to heel allows the Y Grind player to take dead aim at the target and more easily square up the clubhead at impact.

Miura’s broad forged iron line has choices for all players, including the MB 001 and Series 1957 Small Blades (muscleback models), the 1957 CB, CB 501, and the mid-sized Passing Point 9003 (cavity backs), as well as Blade and Cavity Back models for the left handed golfer.

Forged wedges include the Wedge Series (in silver nickel chrome and black) and the Series 1957 by Miura Custom Grind Wedges. There is also the Miura “Series 1957” Classic design putter—that has the look of the popular Ping Newport—that goes through the same forging process and is another option for left-handers.

Miura clubs are custom fitted by authorized Miura dealer/fitters with each individual golfer getting not only properly fitted clubs, but a partner in his or her game. Miura dealers are famous for service after the sale and continuing relationships with players they fit, from informal discussions about equipment, practice, and technique to hands-on monitoring of loft, lie, weight and all the crucial golf club metrics.

One of the leading Miura fitters, Jerry Molinar, owner of Marc’s Golf in Palm Desert, California, points out that he sees only about seven percent left handed players, but believes these new offerings from Miura are a huge advancement for them and a product that levels the playing field.

“The New Y Grind has a beveled leading edge that is great with turf interaction for those who tend to have a problem getting irons though at impact,” said Molinar.“Just more time and effort has gone into the making of these clubs, so you really have something that was designed with lefties in mind. It is not just any old left handed iron–so now they have all the bells and whistles– just like right-handed players.”

Molinar has been one of the leading fitters in this golf-rich area of So Cal for more than 16 years and sees these clubs being real popular as the spring golf season hits full stride.